With heavy hitters like Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy, and Idris Elba at the top of many fans' lists, other candidates like Kick-Ass and Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson have also entered the conversation regarding who will play the next James Bond.
Following Daniel Craig's impressive 15-year tenure as Bond, as the actor has received much acclaim for his portrayal of the iconic role, the search for the next 007 continues. While many believed Lashana Lynch's Nomi to be taking over the role - as her MI6 character filled in as the new 007 in last year's No Time to Die - longtime Bond producer Barbara Broccoli confirmed that Bond will be continued to be played by a man, as she still hopes to see many more films made by women, for women, and about women that create exciting new characters.
And even with the long list of contenders, Taylor-Johnson is rumored to be the new frontrunner to don the suave suits, as sources like The Sun say the actor reportedly went for a secret screen test with the producers including Barbara Broccoli at Pinewood studios, and well, it all went to plan. “Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September and producers and Barbara loved him. He is now one of the front-runners,” according to The Sun.
While of course these are only rumors, Taylor-Johnson would be a great fit for many reasons, one being that he is no stranger to action movies, as he also starred in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Godzilla, and Tenet. But some of his other standout roles where he was able to flex his acting chops come from dramas and thrillers like the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, Nocturnal Animals and Savages.
It also helps that the producers are looking to cast an experienced yet young(er) Bond, as Taylor-Johson is only 32. “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past but trying to visualize it doesn’t work," producer Michael G. Wilson said. "Remember, Bond’s already a veteran, he’s had some experience – he’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off [...] That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”
Until it is confirmed, Taylor-Johnson is gearing up for the release of the upcoming comic book film, Kraven the Hunter -- where he stars as the titular hero, as well as currently filming The Fall Guy, which also stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt and reunites him with Bullet Train director David Leitch.